Face it. Your skin gives the game away. Whether you've dipped into too much mango gelato, or spent too long lounging on your beach towel, the state of your skin reflects the way you treat your body. For a touch of help from nature's nest, check out the following vitamins:
Vitamin A – the wrinkle fighter
Vitamin A is essential for the formation of healthy skin cells. Deficiency of vitamin A over a long period of time can lead to thick, itchy dry skin which can be prone to infection.
Vitamin B – the skin conditioner
The B vitamins are important for skin and nerve health. These may be helpful to take if you suffer from dull skin.
Vitamin C – the skin's defence system
One of vitamin C's main roles is the manufacture of collagen, the substance which forms the basis of the connective tissue, or the glue that holds the skin cells together. Collagen fibres act to hold the skin taut and firm as we age.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which means it is able to neutralise the dangerous molecules called free radicals that form when the body is exposed to sunlight, smog and cigarette smoke.
Vitamin E – for extra protection
Both vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants have been shown to help protect the skin against sun damage. Taken as a supplement vitamin E is absorbed into cell membranes where it acts as an antioxidant, protecting the cells from damage.
Vitamin E comes in several different forms – the more potent version is natural alpha tocopherol. For convenience, you can add the contents of a vitamin E capsule to your regular moisturiser.